This isn't the first time this has been done. I'm sure the code has allot to be desired but it works. I found this link for a similar project.http://www.arduino.cc/cgi-bin/yabb2/YaBB.pl?num=1245352653

For one thing i didn't like the style of his numbers. Sure i could change the code used theer but i didn't understand how it all worked. My coding experience is quite limited at this point. So i decided to do my own more simplistic version.

I used the LiquidCrystal library's ability to create a custom character. Its limited to 8 5x8 characters. So i create 8 segments that are used to build large numbers using 2 lines on a 16x2 LCD.

Here is what they look like when put together.

The sketch i built has the numbers counting from 0 to 9 and then it keeps track of the number of program loops on the left in regular text/numbers. Then a reconfigured that sketch so it would display the numbers as seen in the pictures. But i'll post the code to the first one.

I always do this. I think i have something finalized and i go and make changes. I changed the 7 so that the bottom segment is in the middle. Changed the 5 so that the upper left segment has the curve on the upper left corner. I took the to small bars on the 1 off. I also replaced all of the full bar segments with ones with the corners cut. Now there is a new segment to help the numbers look more balanced. 9 still looks a bit off but you can't win them all.

So i guess i'll use this opportunity to post the code i used for the pictures. Modified as stated above, of course.

I've been thinking about that but only having 8 custom characters to work with keeps things limited. If there was a way to flip the character horizontally and vertically then it could be possible. Then then i would only need 3 custom segments to handle the numbers.

Maybe i need to come up with a way i could redefine the characters on the fly. Like having multiple versions of the setup that can be called too to redefine the available segments.

Shucks Mike - now you've done gone and done it! Made it so I will have to work on that to get a thermometer displaying these large fonts. I won't have time just now, but will be saving this thread for study in a week or so.

I've been thinking about that but only having 8 custom characters to work with keeps things limited. If there was a way to flip the character horizontally and vertically then it could be possible. Then then i would only need 3 custom segments to handle the numbers.

Maybe i need to come up with a way i could redefine the characters on the fly. Like having multiple versions of the setup that can be called too to redefine the available segments.

You can redefine on the fly can you not. Call a code section to redifine and it should be simple enough.